Facebook page aims to remember Fred Laster, raise awareness about missing-person cases

Action News Jax has learned the family of Fred Laster is getting his remains back from the state and is now planning a memorial service.

Laster was a teenager when he was killed in 1994, his dismembered body found near a Lake City gas station.

The case was only known as the “Lake City John Doe” case until Laster was identified more than two decades later.

Just this year, Ronnie Hyde was arrested for Laster's murder. He remains in jail and is awaiting trial.

Now, a Facebook memorial page, “Remembering Fred Laster, Formerly Lake City John Doe,” has been set up by Laster’s siblings and family friend Jason Futch.

Futch spoke with Action News Jax on Thursday.

“We want to be able to share Freddy’s story and allow people to get to know him,” said Futch. “Because, the thing is, for 23 years, he went unidentified.”

On the page, family and friends share photos and their favorite memories of Laster. “Freddy” was described as a talented musician who was inseparable from his siblings.

“He was a very talented kid who was very talented with the guitar especially,” said Futch.

Futch also tells Action News Jax Laster’s family believes it never should have taken more than two decades to identify him.

They believe there should have been more public awareness about Laster's case, and they hope the Facebook page can raise awareness about other missing-person cases.

“The lesson is hope,” said Futch. “The hope that loved ones will return one day, and hope for law enforcement that their John and Jane Does will have a name.”

According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons’ database, there are over 14,000 of these cases, involving people living and dead.

Click here to visit the Facebook page.

Cox Media Group